Another year another post on the best music of the last 12 months. As is the usual case, I didn't realize how rich this year has been until I reflected upon it for the blog. As a music lover, its easy to forget some of the golden nuggets after they have been devoured (and there are new shiny nuggets begging to be tasted). Anyways, a pause for a second course at the end of the year has been a meaningful reflection for me since I started this silly blog.
The first thing to mind was that most of this list is focused less on albums and more on outstanding tracks. Its a sad trend, but lucky there are some bands that fight against the dying of the light and producing some amazing full and cohesive albums. I'll save the discussion of the effects of the internet on musical creativity to another day, but suffice it to say that while there are numerous positive effects, one of the biggest negative effects is the aforementioned demise of the album.
Ok ok, enough whining, lets get to the good stuff. As somewhat of a hipster myself, I'm very much on board of indie sensation Chvrches. That voice, my goodness that voice... While the Mother We Share is great, I'm going to have to give Tether the award for best song on the album with Gun being a close second. Both have so much passion and Tether's crescendo into synth madness is one of my favorite moments from 2013.
Its almost cool to hate on Arcade Fire... thats a bunch of crap, they rock and thats the end of the story. A week before the new album came out, they played at Neil Young's Bridge Benefit Concert, they flew in to cover for The Killers who backed out last minute. As in, they played the night before in Miami and flew out right after the concert. Reflector live and in an acoustic arrangement was fabulous as well as Normal Person (along with some old stuff but thats not what this post is for). As far as my favorite off of the album, its an easy choice for me We Exist. The whole album was produced by LCD Soundsystem mastermind and genius James Murphy and this song is a powerhouse collaboration of electronica, meaningful lyrics, and digital euphoria to my ears. (hyperbole much? oh well, this is the stuff right here) Other highlights include Here Comes the Night time which sort of feels like something groovy from the Clash.
Best discovery of an old band goes to The Replacements (with Searching For Sugar Man's Rodriguez and a rediscovery of The Breeders close behind). I knew of them probably through my oldest brother Nate, but I really discovered them this year. Going through their catalogue with Alex Chilton Can't Hardly Wait rocking me out old school and the soft gem Swinging Party making me swoon (developing somewhat of a man crush in the process)
Ok, for the easy spot, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories came out this year and is my pop album of 2013. Although Get Lucky is amazing (albeit with a less than pure message ;) I loved Touch and Fragments of Time the most. Touch is so over the top in its spoken word delivery, but its when the horn section comes during the second act that won me over. Fragments of Time is a strange electropowerpop lost Doobie Brothers song. It actually has a tender message, along with a perfect studio recording makes it stand out. (Not to go to overboard on this album, as I think there are some weak moments here, just saying there are some pearls here too)
Tennis came out of nowhere with an EP that has been the soundtrack for my November and December. I love her voice and vibe that I broke my rule with this EP (by a severe order of magnitude I might add) of not listening to the same song more than once a day. I heard Mean Streets on the radio and it actually didn't leave much of an impression but when I revisited it I couldn't stop. The second song "Timothy" kills me everytime, its so dreamy, melancholy, classy, even cheesy in all the right ways. I'm always a succor for huge finales and that one wins this EP. The entire EP is fantastic so I can't wait until 2014's album. Also worth mentioning that Spotify has a few sessions of songs from last year that outdo the album versions in all respects. Go listen to the sessions of My Better Self and Petition, they breath new life into songs I didn't take note of on the album and make them fabulous.
Dance song of the year goes to Cut Copy's Let Me Show You Love. Holy cow, this is the stuff. Keeping in mind that I don't dance, this one would get me out there. Its 80's-tastic and builds its deceptively simple riffs into a groovy expansive space that I want to occupy.
The Flaming Lips Album The Terror was just that, and I love them for it. It isn't for the faint of heart, but it just may be the best album of 2013 looking back from 2020. Its not an easy fan favorite though.
Honorable mention should go to Pure Bathing Culture for being a guilty pleasure (its just so cheesy, but I love it)
Concert highlights of 2013:
The acoustic Bridge School benefit concert was fantastic as always, this time showcasing Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Queens of the Stone Age impressed with his undeniably sexy voice. I already mentioned Arcade Fire above (they were my fav of the night) My Morning Jacket was a lot of fun and Jack Johnson did great (can't deny his fun factor live)
Got a chance to see Pinback and their brand of indie power pop. A highlight was when the lead singer ran all the way to through the audience to the back during Fortress. He stopped for a sec and I got to sing briefly into the mic!
Fiona Apple gave the most experimental set I saw this year. Not my usual, but nice. Her new stuff was fun to watch and listen to. I mean that, it was actually exciting to see what she would do on stage and hear her incredible voice.
Jeff Tweedy rounded out the concerts of the year. I've seen him in Wilco every year since 2007, but seeing him in a solo show was a different treat altogether. His masterful guitar-work and soulful vocal delivery only confirmed that he is a truly special artist that will always be remembered for his contribution to American Rock. His banter with the audience was truly funny. His setlist included some songs from all of his bands including Uncle Tupelo. And as a side note, his setlist for the next night was 75% different and equally awesome.
